Happy Administrative Professionals Day to this amazing group of WUSD employees - thank you so much for all you do to support our staff, students and families.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Vian Abdulrahman, Terri Danner, Cory Dittmann, Jaime Fischer, Jill Geske, Danielle Hansen, Jennifer Harris, Jean Heiden, Cheryl Hollatz, Diane Klemm, Kathryn Klinger, Kelly Kwapil, Amy Liesch, Lynn Linskens, Sherrie Loeffler-Tietz, Dawn McBride, Jennifer McCrory, Sarah Miller, Kelley Piasecki, Katie Pirkel, Amanda Ristow, Jaclyne Rocole, Sara Schmitz, Katie Schroeder, Crystal Stalker, Angel Vander Steeg, Jean Vesper, Amy Wesemann, Jennifer Willis, Michelle Yelk and Laura Zautner. 💙
Since Jan. 20, the Watertown Unified School District has hosted more than 40 referendum pop-up discussions and formal presentations throughout the community to provide factual information regarding why the referendum is needed and to answer questions.
Pictured below are two slides from our presentation - the first image illustrates the potential property tax impact of an approved referendum on homes at various price points in Watertown. The second image charts Watertown's current mill rate in relation to our neighboring communities. An approved referendum would add 70 cents to Watertown's current $5.99 mill rate.
The Watertown Unified School District is currently taking nomination forms for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. The Distinguished Alumni Award was formed in purpose of providing our current students and community with a vision of the outstanding legacies of Watertown High School. The eligibility and criteria for nomination for the award are as follows:
*Nominees shall be graduates of the Watertown Unified School District, that is, alumni who have received diplomas from the Watertown Unified School District
*The nominee as gone on after high school to serve their communities and world through their careers, vocations or service dedication, and/or through a variety of endeavors, including: professional, athletic/entertainment, science/technology, community/governmental service, and/or entrepreneur/industrial, and/or
*The nominee has made an outstanding contribution to society, and/or
*The nominee has displayed outstanding leadership, and/or
*The nominee is a person of historical significance, and/or
*The nominee has been a prominent local, state, national and/or world figure.
Nomination forms can be found on the Watertown Unified School District’s website at: https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/distinguished-alumni-award. Nominators may also pick up a packet at the Educational Service Center (ESC) – 111 Dodge Street, or request the forms be mailed to their residence by contacting Lynn Linskens at (920)262-1460 Ext. 3202 or linskensl@mywusd.org. Nomination forms must be received by May 1st, 2025 to be considered for the 2025 award.
Tomorrow night (Wednesday, March 19), from 6:30-7:30 p.m. join us for a LIVE VIRTUAL Road to the Referendum presentation right here on Facebook and also streaming live on the Watertown Unified School District's YouTube channel.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jarred Burke will lead a brief presentation and then respond to questions regarding the referendum. A form to submit questions will be made available on the WUSD's Facebook page and on its website (https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum) starting at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow.
Here are the links to tune in live:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/lCb-UMUZKuo?feature=share
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1381462432846595/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D
The Watertown Unified School District will host a VIRTUAL Road to the Referendum presentation with Q&A this Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on this Facebook page and the WUSD's YouTube channel. During this live virtual presentation, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jarred Burke will provide an overview of the referendum and then answer questions submitted by viewers during the presentation. A link to a Google form will be made available to submit questions starting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Watch for more information to follow!
On April 1, our community will vote on a recurring operational referendum question for the Watertown Unified School District to raise the state-imposed revenue limit by $7 million. This funding is needed to fill a gap in the district’s budget to protect and preserve our high-quality instruction and programming, and to maximize school safety.
The $7 million is not for new spending, building construction, or remodeling projects. The WUSD is facing budget challenges because state funding is not enough and costs are rising due to inflation.
Learn more by visiting https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum .
As we continue on the Road to the Referendum, we invite the community join us at an upcoming referendum presentation or at an informal meet & greet. All events are open to the public!
Here's where to find us this week:
📍 Watertown Community & Senior Center (presentation, Q&A)
📅 Wednesday, March 12, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
📍 Lincoln Elementary School Gymnasium (presentation, Q&A)
📅 Thursday, March 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
📍 The Grove at The Marquardt Towne Center (presentation, Q&A)
📅 Friday, March 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
📍 Watertown Jig Jog 5K ☘ (come say hello by the Watertown Public Library!)
📅 Saturday, March 15, 9:15 a.m.-Noon
Come learn more about the upcoming WUSD referendum!
On Tuesday, March 11 join us for a Referendum Lunch & Learn at the Watertown Public Library sponsored by the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce. Lunch is optional, but please still RSVP. Program starts at Noon.
Tonight (Thurs. March 6) the WUSD will host a Road to the Referendum presentation at Douglas Elementary School at 6 p.m.
These are great opportunities to ask questions to make an informed decision on April 1!
Join us tonight at 6 p.m. at the Watertown Public Library for our next Road to the Referendum presentation. We invite you to participate in the discussion and ask questions. If you cannot attend tonight's presentation, then please join us on Thursday, March 6 at 6 p.m. at Douglas Elementary School.
As we continue on our Road to the Referendum, we invite the public to attend our next referendum presentation on Monday, March 3 at 6 p.m. at the Watertown Public Library. We also invite the community to learn more about the WUSD's annual audit report that was presented to the Board of Education on Monday, February 24. We are always happy to answer any questions regarding the referendum or the district's finances. Please email referendum2025@mywusd.org.
District audit: https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/files/DE2Q9T67BB63/$file/Watertown%20Unified%20School%20District%20-%202024%20Financial%20Statements.pdf
As we continue on our Road to the Referendum, we invite the community to attend a special presentation this evening, Thursday, Feb. 27 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Watertown High School to better understand why the referendum is needed. If you cannot attend tonight's presentation, catch us on Monday, March 3 at 6 p.m. at the Watertown Public Library.
A WUSD representative will also be present this afternoon from 4-5:30 p.m. to share referendum information at Glenn's Market & Catering, 722 W. Main St. Thank you to Glenn's Market for providing the WUSD with this opportunity to connect with the community!
Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day and the start of Adult Crossing Guard Appreciation Week in Wisconsin. Last week, our school bus drivers celebrated School Bus Driver Appreciation Week. We are grateful for our school bus drivers and our crossing guards all throughout the year. Please complete a Random Act of Kindness today by thanking a school bus driver, a crossing guard, a teacher, or anyone you know who works to support children in our community.
TONIGHT AT 5:30 P.M. - ROAD TO THE REFERENDUM PRESENTATION AT RIVERSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL
The public is invited to come learn all about the Watertown Unified School District referendum question that will be on the April 1 general election ballot. Questions and feedback from audience members welcomed!
Attention WUSD Families!
Due to the worsening weather conditions, all WUSD after school activities are canceled today, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Please note: Y Care will still take place as scheduled and the WUSD Policy Committee meeting at 5:30 p.m. will be fully virtual. To join the meeting, visit: https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
It's School Counselor Appreciation week and we invite you to join us in thanking our very own caring and compassionate school counselors - Mindy Ganser, Bryce Steckbauer, Kelly Cunningham, Jesse Leonhardt, Lora Konz, Avery Harris, Erikka Olson, and Amy True. The Watertown Unified School District is fortunate to have you, and we thank you for all you do for our students!
WUSD CLASSES CANCELLED TOMORROW - NO AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES TODAY!
Due to the extreme cold temperatures and wind chill, the Watertown Unified School District is cancelling school tomorrow, Tuesday, January 21, 2025. In addition, all after school activities are cancelled today, Monday, January, 20, 2025.
Please stay safe and warm!
WUSD Parents & Guardians:
Please watch for an email and/or text message this afternoon regarding signing on to Rooms - a new two-way secure messaging tool that will enable parents, teachers, coaches and students to stay better connected. Please note - upon registering, you will enter a virtual "waiting room" at your student's school. This is where all families will gather until Rooms opens district-wide later this spring. Rooms will go live at the start of the Third Trimester or Fourth Quarter depending on where your student(s) attend school.
🎳 Happening Tonight! 🎳
Come "Bowl the Blues Away" this evening at Watertown Bowl 18! The public is invited to attend this special bowling event from 6-7 p.m. where they will not only have fun bowling at a discounted rate of $2 per game, but they will also have the opportunity to learn more about mental health services in Watertown.
For more information, contact Kenda Roman, WUSD mental health coordinator, at romank@mywusd.org.
Due to the wintry weather and potentially unsafe driving conditions that we are experiencing, all Watertown Unified School District after school activities are canceled today, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.
Please stay safe and warm.
Jarred Burke
Superintendent of Schools
Last week, the Watertown Unified School District hosted three Community Input Sessions to receive feedback on its preliminary Long Range Facilities Plan. The district has been working with Plunkett Raysich Architects (PRA) since early March to develop this plan that will shape the look and structure of district buildings into the future. This long range plan is being developed based on future enrollment projections, highest and best use of classroom and programming space, evolving teaching best practices, and economic feasibility.
The feedback received last week from district staff members, parents/guardians and community members will play an important role in this planning process. Thank you to all who attended. A second round of Community Input Sessions will take place April 22-24, 2025. To learn more about the district's Long Range Facilities Plan, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/long-range-facilities-planning-study.
